Church History

Church History

A fellowship of believers desiring a Reformed presence in the Montrose area of Western Colorado began meeting together in various homes. The first worship service was held March 27, 1977.

This gathering became a mission church of Rocky Mountain Presbytery, Reformed Presbyterian Church Evangelical Synod (RPCES) September, 1977, under the leadership of organizing pastor, Rev. David Hein.

Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church (TRPC) became a particular church of the RPCES in April, 1979, with a charter membership of thirty one persons. Rev. Hein was called as the first pastor.

Land was purchased and building was begun on a sanctuary, offices, and four classrooms in the summer of 1980. The building was occupied by December of that year.

Trinity Christian Academy (TCA), a Christian day school ministry of TRPC, began its first year of operation in the fall of 1980. Over the years, as the enrollment of the school has grown, a wing on the main building and three additional buildings have been added to the physical plant of the church/school. In 1986  TCA merged with another Christian independent day school in the area. At that time the school’s name changed to Colorado West Christian School (CWCS). CWCS has remained a substantial and visible ministry of Trinity church to the broader Christian community of Montrose for thirty four years. Four men have served ably as school administrator/principal.

When the RPCES joined the Presbyterian Church in America in 1982, Trinity  became part of the PCA through the joining and receiving process.

In its thirty five year history, Trinity has been served by four senior pastors: Rev. David Hein (five years), Rev. Dennis McDonough (eight years), Rev. Frank Vanlandingham (twenty four years until his retirement in June 2014), Rev. Jeremy Cheezum (5 years). Rev. Brad Fell served as associate pastor (13 years) and as CWCS administrator (1996 – 2017).

In the course of its history TRPC has engaged in the support of overseas and local missions, done short term mission work in Mexico and with First Nations groups, hosted summer VBS, held regular Sunday School for children and adults, and taught various small group/home/women’s/men’s Bible studies. In addition TRPC has supported the work of the local Life Choices center, the Sharing Ministries food bank, Montrose Young Life, and the Kairos prison ministry.